The new "America's Next Top Model" makes ANTM history by being the first deaf person to win the competition. However, considering cycle 22 is the show's last season, it appears Nyle DiMarco will go down in the TV series' annals as the only person with disability to have participated and won the title.
"I do not think I will ever be able to describe how I feel about being the first deaf contestant ever on the show who ultimately went all the way to the top... especially with possibly being the last winner of America's Next Top Model ever," the 26-year-old told MailOnline after his win. "There are not enough words in the English dictionary!"
He went on to say that his win "not only about breaking the barriers for the entire deaf community all over the world" but also helped introduce to the world "what being deaf is truly all about - that it has a culture and a beautiful language, American Sign Language (ASL)."
"I can see the world already moving forward, and I have to give a huge thank you to ANTM for giving me this platform," he went on. "And, the best part is, I will not stop breaking down barriers!"
DiMarco has been seen as one of the favorites on the show, thanks to "a mix of stunning good looks and a charming persona," according to Out.com.
However, the contestant ran into a number of challenges on the show as he had to work doubly hard to keep up with various goings on during the competition.
"It was tough trying to keep up with what happened within the house and trying to communicate with models through the OPPO phone so I could stay involved," he admitted.
DiMarco also revealed that he flew himself to Hawaii and stayed there for three weeks so he could keep himself from spilling the news that he won the competition weeks before the final episode aired.
The final episode of ANTM showed four finalists, 2 men and 2 ladies, gunning for the win. The final two, Mame Adjei and DiMarco, battled for the title in a runway show, where DiMarco unwittingly ended up walking too fast, to his co-competitor's delight.
"You pretty much knew Mamé was toast when she excitedly/bitchily described Nyle's failure to move to the music on his first runway pass," TV Line obseerved. "Oh, sure, her strut was more ferocious-sexy-cool, and Nyle's tended more toward 'bulls of Pamplona,' but when he got the far better outfit (one not emblazoned with the number '22') for final judgment, all suspense was over."
However, after much deliberation by the panel of judges led by the show's host and producer, Tyra Banks, DiMarco was announced as the winner.
Have something to add to this story? Let us know!
WATCH:
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
